THE UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURAL AND CONSTRUCTION
ENGINEERING

COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR ENGINEERS (CL111)

GROUP NO 1(A4)

S/N NAMES REG.NUMBER

1 LUHOLELA,HEMED HASHIM 2022-04-05209
2 NKUVA,JONATHANI SAMWELI 2022-04-10493
3 MWIMANI,ISDORI PIUS 2022-04-09709
4 MWACHA,JACQUELINE PHOCUS 2022-04-09090
5 RUTAGWELELA,HENRY ALEX 2022-04-11537
QUESTION; TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION IS A SPECIALISED
FORM OF COMMMUNICATION ALTHOUGH IT SHARES MANY
CHARACTERISTICS OF OTHER FORMS OF COMMUNICATION BUT
IT DIFFERS.JUSTIFY

Technical communication is the exchange of information that helps people

interact with technology and solve complex problems (Ref:John M. Lannon
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth And Laura J. Gurak University of
Minnesota,Technical communication) .Also Technical communication can be
defined as the form of writing that involves conveying technical information to an
audience. According to Richard Johnson-Sheehan (Purdue University) Technical
communication is a process of managing technical information in ways that allow
people to take action.

Technical communication serves various needs in various settings. Almost every

day, we make decisions or take actions that depend on technical information.
People may need to perform a task (say, assemble a new exercise machine), answer
a question (say, about the safety of a flu shot), or make a decision (say, about
suspending offshore oil drilling). In the workplace, we are not only consumers of
technical communication, but producers as well. Any document or presentation we
prepare (memo, letter, report, Web page, PowerPoint) must advance the goals of
our readers, viewers, or listeners. Typical Kinds of Technical Communication
includes instructions(for assembling a lawn mower a), user manual ( for
operating a of medical equipment),Report (for analyzing a problem or issue),
Memo( for answering questions about project’s progress ) Procedures ( for
complying with government regulations).

Technical communication is specialized form of communication with many

characteristics which includes; Technical communication Is Interactive and
Adaptable, Technical communication Is Reader centered, Technical
Communication Relies on Teamwork, Technical Communication Is Visual,
Technical Communication Has Ethical, Legal, and Political Dimensions and
Technical Communication Is International and Transcultural. Technical
communication though sharing characteristics with other forms of communication
it differs from other forms of communication in in the following ways ;

Technical communication is Factual and accurate :Technical communication is

more factual than General writing, it’s a clear writing that conveys purpose of the
document immediately to the reader .It matches the vocabulary to the audience
avoiding unnecessary technical obscure language at the same time being
precise .Since it is based on scientific facts and verified data which may spell
destruction of properties and even lives if not being communicated
properly .According to the author W. Zinner “ simplicity in communication with
Precision “.Technical communication is more factual as it is fearless ,colored by
personal biases ,beliefs and opinions of the author .Example Instruction manual for
electronics, equipments like telephone ,PC.WHILE other forms of communication
is allowed to give personal suggestions, judgment and personal opinions .
Technical communication is impartial and objective: Technical communication
is about describing an objective fact ,information or procedures .It doesn’t deal
with human emotions or expression .In technical communication writing doesn’t
go beyond what you know ,that’s limit your discussion to the scope of data and
observation (Ref; Engineering education in technical writing , Rachel Detuler) .For
instance in pharmaceutical pamphlets that explain a particular medication’s
mechanism ,there’s no place where the instructions tell you to take medicine with a
certain type of cup. But its very objective, while in other forms of communication
sometimes be subjective and partial yet it also contain valid data .General
communication discusses the majority of general or personal topics .

Technical communication is formal and serious. When compared to other kinds

such as creative writing which may be informal and funny technical writing
communicates specific information which requires a formal tone and serious
disposition .It employs the use of formal language. whereas general
communication is generally referred to as casual conversations.

Technical communication is practical and powerful: this means that technical

communication is action oriented that enable task to perform a specific task .For
example technical communication is used in writing user manual which gives
instruction on how to use a particular equipment or device. They use action verbs
whenever possible. in writing report that analyze a problem or particularly.

Technical communication is reader centered: in technical communication,

readers play a much more significant role than they do in other kinds of writing a
typical college essay, you trying to express your ideas and opinions. Technical
communication turns his situation round it concentrates on what the reader “need
to know” to take action, not on what you as the writer, want to tell them
Technical Communication Is International and Transcultural : Computers
have also increased the international nature of the technical workplace. Today,
professionals regularly communicate with people around the world. Almost all
companies and institutions compete in a global marketplace. Many have offices,
communication hubs, and manufacturing sites in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia,
and South America. The growth of international and transcultural trade means you
will find yourself working with people who speak other languages and have other
customs. They will also hold different expectations about how technical documents
should look and the way presentations should be made while other forms of
communication face the barriers of culture when transferring information

Technical Communication Has Ethical, Legal, and Political Dimensions: In the

increasingly complex technical workplace, issues involving ethics, laws, and
politics are always present. Ethical and legal standards can be violated if you aren’t
careful. Moreover, computers have created new micro- and macro political
challenges that need to be negotiated in the workplace. To communicate
effectively in the technical workplace, you need to be aware of the ethical, legal,
and political issues that shape your writing and speaking. As management
structures become flatter—meaning there are fewer layers of management—
employees are being asked to take on more decision-making responsibilities than
ever. In most corporations, fewer checks and balances exist, meaning that all
employees need to be able to sort out the ethical, legal, and political aspects of a
decision for themselves.

Technical Communication Relies on Teamwork :Technical workplaces are

highly collaborative, meaning you will likely work with a team of specialists on
almost every project. Writing and presenting with a team are crucial skills in any
technical workplace. Computers have only heightened the team orientation of the
technical workplace. Today, it is common for many people to be working on a
document at the same time because documents can be shared through e-mail and
virtual storage sites like Google Drive or Dropbox. In some cases, your team might
be adjusting and updating technical documents on an ongoing basis.

Conclusion: Technical communication differentiate itself from other forms of

communication as its very factual and accurate, formal and very serious, practical
and powerful, reader centered, International and Transcultural ,impartial and
objective and relies on teamwork. Technical communication is a blend of actions,
words ,and images .Readers expect technical documents to use writing ,visuals,
and design to communicate effectively. Currently technical communication
focuses more on technology and assist users who need specific information on
using products ,completing tasks, operating equipment and completing other types
of activities.
REFERENCES

1. Richard Johnson-Sheehan (2018) Technical communication today,Pearson

2. John M. Lannon and Laura J. Gurak (2013) Technical communication,
Longman publisher.
3. W. Zinner “ simplicity in communication with Precision
4. Rachel Detuler ,Engineering education in technical writing ,
5. www.freelancewriting.com
6. Openoregon.presssbooks.pb
7. Istc.org.uk
8. www.linkedin.com
9. http://iimskills.com/general and technical communication/